FEMA Corps FAQ's

Q: Why is FEMA doing this?A: There are several reasons why FEMA is doing this. 1) With Reservist unavailability rates averaging 40-50%, FEMA Corps will promote better mission outcomes by supporting FEMA’s ability to meet its all hazard mission through a scalable and reliable work force structure; 2) this partnership creates a program that will provide an increasing number of meaningful service opportunities for thousands of FEMA Corps Members and prepare them for careers in emergency management and other related fields, building depth in the emergency management community; 3) it helps to reduce the cost of responding to disasters; and 4) it advances the whole community approach by integrating a service organization into disaster response.

Q: Are FEMA Corps Members FEMA Employees?A: No, they are NOT FEMA Employees. They are members of the Corporation for National and Community Service (“CNCS”) but directed by FEMA on work assignments.

Q: Will FEMA Corps Members be taking the place of Reservists?A: Deployment priority will be based on deployment needs and FEMA Corps Members will be deployed concurrently with Reservists and will augment, not replace Reservists.

Q: When will FEMA Corps members begin working?A: The first 480 will begin their training in August 2012 and will be ready for deployment in September 2012. Recruiting and training will continue until the full complement of 1,600 members is active and ready to be deployed. That is expected to take 18 months.

Q: Will Reservists be able to take the training being offered to FEMA Corps Members?A: No.

Q: Can FEMA Corps Members become Reservists?A: Yes. After they have fulfilled their contract requirements with FEMA Corps, they can apply to become a Reservist, CORE, or PFT.

Q: Will FEMA disaster staff be expected to manage the FEMA Corps members?A: Yes, but individual FEMA Corps members will not report directly to FEMA disaster staff. According to the Inter-Agency Agreement with CNCS, each FEMA Corps member is placed in a team of 8-12 members, and supervised by a FEMA Corps Team Leader. However, while administrative functions will be conducted by the Team Leaders, each team will be assigned tasks assessed for completion by a FEMA employee within the JFO organization.

Q: Will FEMA Corps Members be receiving per diem?A: CNCS is responsible for arranging housing and meals for FEMA Corps Members.

Q: I heard that in the very large disasters that FEMA Corps Member will be the first out the door for the Community Relations mission.A: They would be deployed as trainees concurrently with qualified CR Specialists.

Q: Will FEMA Corps Members be given Position Task Books?A: Yes

Q: I am a Reservist with one of the FQS titles that FEMA Corps Members will be assigned to. Can I transfer to another assignment?A: In accordance with existing FQS Policy, a member can only have their current title within the force structure. Depending on the force structure needs, there may be an opportunity to transfer to meet those needs.

Q: Can a FEMA Corps Member be name-requested?A: No. FEMA passes field deployment requests for a specific type of FEMA Corps Team to NCCC to fulfill the request.

Q: What is the mechanism to deploy FEMA Corps Teams?A: FEMA Corps Teams will be deployed via ADD.

Q: Will FEMA Corps Members be issued a phone and/or laptop?A: The IAA requires that FEMA provide the necessary tools and equipment for Members to perform deployments. As mission needs dictate, each Member may be issued a phone and a laptop.

Q: Will FEMA Corps Members have identifying clothing?A: Yes, but joint branding methods have not yet been determined.

Q: Are FEMA Corps Members able to drive owned/leased FEMA vehicles?A: Yes, as determined by mission requirements and subject to applicable regulatory requirements.

Q: What type of Identification will FEMA Corps Members have?A: They will be issued a badge. Specific badges are still being designed.

Q: If a workplace violence issue occurs with a FEMACorps Member, who will handle the resolution?A: FEMA Corps team leaders are responsible for the day-to-day control of FEMA Corps members, including discipline.

Q: Do these Members have to adhere to annual training requirements?A: FEMA Corps members will receive NCCC and FEMA-specific classroom training during an initial training period. Additionally, FEMA Corps members will receive FEMA Qualification System training necessary to carry out deployments safely and effectively.

Last Updated:

07/24/2014 - 16:00

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